LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Each year the Mid-America EMMY chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honors broadcasters by inducting them into the Gold and Silver Circles, a prestigious group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. Legendary broadcaster and THV11 anchor Craig O’Neill is set to be inducted into the Gold Circle this weekend.
Craig is no stranger to the spotlight, having been in the business for more than 50 years. He has mentored dozens of journalists, raised millions for Arkansas nonprofits, and told countless stories.
THV11 President and General Manager Marty Schack said of the announcement, "The THV11 team is so proud to call Craig our colleague and friend. His contributions to broadcasting and to Arkansas communities are inspiring to us all."
Here’s the full bio from the EMMY Mid-America organization:
Craig O'Neill is a legendary TV and Radio personality in Little Rock. Mention his name and you'll hear a best moments on-the-air Craig story. Throughout his illustrious fifty-plus years career, Craig has raised over 40 million for Arkansas charities.
Randy Hankins’ radio career began September 3, 1969, at radio station KBTM, working while he attended Arkansas State University at Jonesboro.
Randy graduated in 1972 and took a job at KARN in Little Rock doing broadcasting and advertising sales. KARN’s program director felt that the name Craig O'Neill had a better ring to it than Randy Hankins, so that's when he made the switch to the name so many know him by today.
Fast forward to 1978, Craig joined KLAZ and began making his famous prank telephone calls. His first one was to Arkansas Governor David Pryor and his opponent in the U.S. Senate race, Jim Guy Tucker. Craig posed as Jimmy Carter and wished both luck in their upcoming election.
In 1981, Craig began working at KKYK, becoming the #1 disc jockey in Little Rock. He continued to make prank calls and traveled to Hollywood on several occasions. He even appeared in a movie made in Arkansas, titled "Pass the Ammo."
After ten years at KKYK, Craig moved to neighboring radio station KURB. During that time Craig’s love for charity work really took off and to this day he has emceed thousands of charity events.
On January 1, 2000, Craig made the transition from radio to television. He began at THV11 as a sports anchor, later becoming a news anchor, but above all else, he sees himself as a public servant. Another passion Craig shares is his love of reading. He's visited dozens, if not hundreds of schools for his reading tour.
Throughout his time in broadcasting Craig covered countless stories, earning prestigious recognition for his work, and raising more than $40 million for Arkansas charities. But his impact on Arkansas extends well beyond the numbers, if you ask him, it’s about the lives he's influenced for the better.
The Gold and Silver induction event is Saturday at Robinson Performance Hall.
In addition to Craig, Steve Barnes, Stephen Narisi, and Dave Woodman will be inducted into the Gold Circle. Donna Terrell, Tim Hamilton, Marcus McDonald, and Amy Oliver are to be inducted into the Silver Circle, which recognizes those with 25 years of broadcast contributions. Read more here.